MCCARTHYS GETS NEW CEO
McCarthy Tétrault LLP gets a new president and CEO starting Jan. 1.
Marc-André Blanchard, currently the regional managing partner for Quebec, takes over the job from W. Iain Scott. His term is set to expire after eight years in the post.
“The entire firm is extremely pleased with the choice of Marc-André Blanchard, as am I,” said Scott, noting his successor’s “intellect, leadership, outstanding interpersonal skills, and passion for the relentless pursuit of excellent service are ideally suited to the culture and ambitions of McCarthy Tétrault.”
Blanchard graduated from the Université de Montréal law school in 1988 and holds graduate degrees from Columbia University and the London School of Economics. In his new role as CEO, he’ll oversee the firm’s seven offices in Canada and Britain. Scott, meanwhile, will stay with the firm when his term ends.
LAWYER WINS MENTORING AWARD
The Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council has recognized a Toronto lawyer for his contributions to mentoring new immigrants.
Michael Schafler, a partner at Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, was the only lawyer to receive the special achievement award. “Michael Schafler undoubtedly deserves the mentoring partnership’s special achievement award this year,” said Elizabeth McIsaac, executive director of the immigrant employment council.
“He offers his valuable insight and guidance to help skilled immigrants navigate the local job market and find meaningful employment that matches their qualifications.”
According to the council, Schafler was instrumental in his firm’s decision to join the mentorship program as a corporate partner. FMC is now looking into expanding its participation to another five offices across Canada.
“I feel privileged to be recognized for doing something that is so close to my heart,” said Schafler. “Together with my wonderful colleagues at Fraser Milner Casgrain, I look forward to mentoring many more newcomers so they can achieve their professional goals in Canada.”
NEW EXECUTIVE FOR CDLPA
The County & District Law Presidents’ Association has new leadership following elections at its recent annual plenary session.
The new chairman will be Robert Zochodne. An Oshawa lawyer and a specialist in civil litigation, Zochodne takes over from Hamilton’s Randall Bocock, who held the position for 18 months.
“I am pleased to be taking over as chair of the largest organization representing practising lawyers in Ontario,” said Zochodne. “The next 18 months will, I’m sure, offer tremendous rewards but great challenges as well. I am honoured to be in this position and will work diligently for CDLPA and its member associations.”
In stepping down, Bocock said he’s most pleased with CDLPA’s work in the following areas:
• Pushing for governance reform at the Law Society of Upper Canada;
• Helping with succession planning and articling placement in smaller communities outside the Greater Toronto Area; and
• Developing the so-called information exchange platform, a new CDLPA web site.
“It was an invigorating and enjoyable 18 months,” said Bocock of his term as chairman.
CDLPA represents 46 member law associations in Ontario. Along with the Toronto Lawyers Association, it is a voice for more than 13,000 lawyers across the province. It elects a new executive every 18 months.
EVENT TACKLES NEW FINANCIAL RULES
Public Policy Forum is holding a seminar on new financial rules on Dec. 4.
Held at its office in Ottawa, the event will discuss the obligations of directors, CEOs, and other executives as Canada gets set to adopt the international financial reporting standards.
Because the new standards increase the volume and complexity of financial disclosures, the seminar will also be relevant for lawyers.
For more information, contact Public Policy Forum at [email protected].
